Project Focus: EDF Energies to use Suntech and First Solar modules at new solar farms in Ontario

Construction was said to have commenced on three solar photovoltaic projects totalling 36MW in Ontario, by EDF Energies Nouvelles. Two projects (12MW each) are to use Suntech c-Si modules while a third PV power plant will use CdTe thin film modules from First Solar. All three plants are expected to be grid connected by the end of the year. White Construction Canada is the general contractor for EDF EN Canada, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles.

Suntech modules will be used at the Elmsley Solar Projects, located near Lombardy in the Township of Rideau Lakes, while First Solar modules will be used for a project located near the town of St. Isidore in the Municipality of the Nation.

“These projects follow on the success of the Arnprior Solar Project in Ottawa, which went into service in 2009,” noted Jon Kieran, Director of Solar Development for EDF EN Canada. “When all five RESOP sites are completed we will have contributed about 60 MW(dc) of solar energy to the distribution grid.”

All three sites are being developed under the Government of Ontario’s Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP).